If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is just the ticket. Juicy chicken paired with a rich garlic and parmesan-infused rice creates a meal that’s simple yet satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s al dente, following the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels and coating it with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and sear until they are browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and any remaining butter mixture from the skillet and set it aside, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds without letting it brown.
- Pour in the white wine and add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture, allowing it to simmer and reduce by about three-quarters, roughly 5 minutes. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into the reduced wine sauce.
- Off the heat, stir in fresh lemon juice and return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce to coat. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine the drained pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture in the skillet, tossing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve the dish warm, garnished with parsley and parmesan cheese as desired.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- All-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch as a substitute)
- Italian seasoning (or a mix of 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon basil, and 1/2 teaspoon marjoram or thyme)
- Salt (about 3/4 teaspoon for chicken seasoning and for pasta water)
- Black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon for chicken seasoning)
- Unsalted butter (7 tablespoons total)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Fresh garlic
- Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc (or low sodium chicken broth as a substitute)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- Fresh lemon juice (or lime juice as a substitute)
- Thin spaghetti (or standard spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine)
- Fresh parsley (or 1-2 tablespoons dried parsley as a substitute)
- Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese as a substitute)
Nutritional Values
Calories 3780 | Calories from Fat 1512 | Fat 168g | Saturated Fat 90g | Cholesterol 714mg | Sodium 3258mg | Potassium 3444mg | Carbohydrates 294g | Fiber 12g | Sugar 12g | Protein 228g | Vitamin A 6210IU | Vitamin C 48mg | Calcium 2154mg | Iron 12mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in the Chicken Scampi recipe?
- Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked a bit longer to achieve the right doneness.
- What can I use instead of white wine in the sauce?
- If you prefer not to use white wine, low-sodium chicken broth is a good alternative. Keep in mind that it may not be as flavorful as the wine.
- Is it necessary to use fresh garlic in this recipe?
- Fresh garlic is recommended to achieve the best flavor, as it adds a distinct freshness to the dish that pre-minced or dried garlic may not provide.
- What type of pasta works best with Chicken Scampi?
- Thin spaghetti is a great choice for this dish, but other types like regular spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine can also work well.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, salted butter can be used, but you should reduce the amount of added salt in the dish to prevent it from becoming too salty.
Tips
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken pieces are well-dried with paper towels before cooking. This step helps in achieving a better browning, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Preheat the Skillet: Use a preheated hot skillet to sear the chicken, as this will contribute to a more pronounced browning and richer taste.
- Choose Quality Wine: Opt for a good-quality dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to avoid any unpleasant flavors that a cheaper wine might introduce to the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce Adequately: Allow the wine and garlic sauce to simmer sufficiently to evaporate most of the alcohol. This will ensure that the dish is well-balanced and not overwhelmed by a strong alcohol taste.
Equipment
- 12-inch non-stick skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs (for handling chicken and pasta)
- Fine mesh strainer or colander (for draining pasta)
- Garlic press (optional, if you prefer not to mince garlic by hand)
- Digital kitchen thermometer (optional, for checking chicken doneness)
